Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method comprising: transmitting, by a processor of a portable device, a directional audio signal to a user, the directional audio signal generated by the portable device and associated with a spatial location relative to the user, the directional audio signal transmitted to the user independent of a physical location of the user; sensing, by a sensor of the portable device, movement of the portable device in a direction of a first spatial location with which the directional audio signal is associated, wherein the first spatial location direction of the sensed movement is one of a plurality of potential directions of sensed movement each of which corresponds to a specific modification in an operation performed by the portable device; identifying, by the processor, a modification of the operation currently being performed by the portable device that corresponds to the first spatial location direction of the sensed movement; and modifying, by the processor, an operation being currently performed by the portable device in accordance with the identified modification, at least in part, by adjusting the directional audio signal to a different spatial location around the user, and updating a visual display of the portable device based on the sensed movement of the portable device, wherein the updating the visual display comprises: updating a graphical user interface presented on the visual display, wherein the graphical user interface includes at least a list of selectable items each corresponding to content stored in the portable device.
A portable device plays audio that sounds like it's coming from a specific direction around the user, independent of the user's physical location. The device detects when the user moves the device towards that audio direction. This movement triggers a change in what the device is doing. The device identifies the appropriate action based on the direction of movement. The action is then performed, including updating the visual display which shows a list of selectable items. The directional audio is then adjusted to a new spatial location.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the sensor is arranged to detect at least a change in position of the portable device with respect to the user or a change in orientation of the portable device or an acceleration of the portable device.
The portable device from the previous audio interface description uses a sensor that detects changes in the device's position relative to the user, changes in the device's orientation (how it's tilted or rotated), or the device's acceleration (how quickly its speed is changing). This sensor data is used to determine the user's movement toward an audible control node.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the directional audio signal includes an audible segment of stored media and a stored media binaural spatialization cue representing an audio direction perceived by the user to be associated with the audible segment.
The portable device from the previous audio interface description generates directional audio that includes a short piece of a stored media file, and a special sound effect (binaural spatialization cue) that makes the audio sound like it's coming from a specific direction. This direction is where the user perceives the sound to be located.
4. The method of claim 2 wherein the directional audio signal includes an audible menu selection and an audible menu selection binaural spatialization cue representing an audio direction perceived by the user to be associated with the audible menu selection.
The portable device from the previous audio interface description generates directional audio that includes a sound indicating a menu option, and a special sound effect (binaural spatialization cue) that makes the menu option sound like it's coming from a specific direction. This direction is where the user perceives the menu option to be located.
5. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the modifying the operation of the portable device in accordance with the sensed movement comprises: selecting one of the list of selectable items.
The portable device from the initial description modifies its operation by letting the user select an item from a list of selectable items shown on the visual display, based on the user's movement of the device towards the audio direction associated with that item.
6. A portable device arranged to provide an audio user interface to a user of the portable device, the portable device comprising: a visual display; a processor configured to generate a directional audio signal; an audio output circuit configured to communicate the directional audio signal to the user of the portable device at a spatial location relative to the user and independent of a location of the user; and a sensor configured to sense a movement of the portable device in a direction of a first spatial location at which the directional audio signal is communicated, the movement generated by the user in response to the directional audio signal, wherein the first spatial location direction of the sensed movement is one of a plurality of potential directions of sensed movement each of which corresponds to a specific operational change in the portable device, wherein the processor is further configured to identify a specific operational change that corresponds to the first spatial location direction of the sensed movement and modify an operation being currently performed by the portable device in accordance with the identified specific operational change, at least in part, by adjusting the directional audio signal to a different spatial location around the user, and updating the visual display based on the sensed movement of the portable device, wherein the updating of the visual display comprises updating a graphical user interface resented on the visual display, wherein the graphical user interface includes at least a list of selectable items each corresponding to content stored in the portable device.
A portable device provides an audio interface where sounds appear to come from specific directions around the user, independent of the user's physical location. The device has a screen, a processor, and an audio output. The processor creates directional audio, and the output sends it to the user. A sensor detects when the user moves the device toward a specific audio direction. This movement triggers a specific operational change in the device. The device identifies and performs the change. The screen updates to show a selectable list. The directional audio is adjusted to a new location around the user.
7. The portable device of claim 6 wherein the sensor is a sensor arranged to detect a change in position of the portable device in relation to user of the portable device, an orientation change, and an acceleration of the portable device.
The portable device from the previous audio interface description includes a sensor that detects changes in the device's position relative to the user, changes in the device's orientation (how it's tilted or rotated), and the device's acceleration (how quickly its speed is changing).
8. The portable device of claim 6 further including: a storage unit configured to store media, wherein the directional audio signal includes an audible segment of media retrieved from the storage unit.
The portable device from the audio interface description has a storage for media files. The directional audio signal includes a piece of a media file taken from this storage.
9. The portable device of claim 6 wherein the processor is configured to generate an audible menu selection and a binaural spatialization cue representing an associated audio direction included in the directional audio signal.
The portable device from the initial audio interface description generates a sound indicating a menu option, along with a special sound effect (binaural spatialization cue). This cue makes the menu option sound like it is coming from a specific direction.
10. The portable device of claim 9 wherein the binaural spatialization cue includes an audible segment of stored media or an audible menu selection altered by the processor to audibly emanate from the associated audio direction.
A portable device processes audio signals to generate binaural spatialization cues, simulating sound sources at specific directions relative to a user. The device includes a processor, a memory storing media segments and menu options, and an audio output interface. The processor modifies stored audio segments or menu selections to create the perception of sound originating from a designated direction. This spatialization is achieved by applying binaural processing techniques, such as interaural time differences (ITD) and interaural level differences (ILD), to adjust the audio signal before playback. The device may also include a user interface for selecting or navigating menu options, where the spatialized audio enhances the user experience by providing directional cues. The system dynamically alters the audio to simulate movement or positioning of sound sources, improving immersion in media playback or interactive applications. The technology addresses the challenge of creating realistic spatial audio in portable devices with limited processing power, ensuring accurate sound localization without excessive computational overhead.
11. A method for updating an audio user interface of a portable device having a processor and a directional audio interface, the method comprising: transmitting a directional audio menu including at least one menu item selection to a user of the portable device, the at least one menu item transmitted to a spatial location relative to the user and independent of the location of the user; sensing a movement of the portable device in a direction of a first spatial location in response to the transmitted directional audio menu; identifying a first menu item selection in the directional audio menu based on the sensed movement in the direction of the first spatial location; associating the identified first menu item selection in the directional audio menu with the sensed movement in the direction of the first spatial location; communicating the identified first menu item selection to the user, and updating a visual display of the portable device based on the identified first menu item selection; identifying a hierarchy level of the identified menu item selection; and transmitting a new directional audio menu including at least one new menu item selection to a user of the portable device, the at least one new menu item transmitted to another spatial location relative to the user, wherein the new directional audio menu and the at least one new menu item selection are associated with the identified hierarchy level.
A portable device updates its audio menu using directional audio. The device plays a menu where each item sounds like it's coming from a different direction. When the user moves the device toward a direction, the device selects the menu item associated with that direction. The selected item is communicated to the user and displayed on the screen. The device identifies what level of the menu the item belongs to. Then, it plays a new directional audio menu, placing new menu items at different spatial locations corresponding to the identified level.
12. The method of claim 11 further comprising receiving a confirmation of the first menu item selection from the user.
The method for updating an audio menu from the previous description includes an additional step: the device receives a confirmation from the user that they have chosen the correct menu item.
13. The method of claim 11 wherein each menu item selection in the directional audio menu includes a distinct binaural spatialization cue representing an associated audio direction.
In the method for updating an audio menu using directional audio, each menu item has a unique sound effect (binaural spatialization cue) that makes it sound like it's coming from a different direction.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the distinct binaural spatialization cue includes the menu item selection altered to audibly emanate from the associated audio direction.
In the method for updating an audio menu using directional audio, the binaural spatialization cue is created by changing the sound of the menu item to make it appear to come from a specific direction.
15. The method of claim 11 wherein the portable device includes a sensor arranged to detect a change in position, an orientation change and an acceleration of the portable device.
The method for updating an audio menu using directional audio involves a portable device that includes a sensor detecting changes in position, orientation (tilt or rotation), and acceleration.
16. A portable device comprising: a visual display; a processor configured to generate a directional audio menu including at least one menu item selection; an audio output circuit configured to transmit the directional audio menu to a user of the portable device, such that the at least one menu item is transmitted to a spatial location relative to the user and independent of the location of the user; and a sensor arranged to sense a movement of the portable device in a direction of a first spatial location in response to the transmitted directional audio menu, wherein the processor is further configured to identify a first menu item selection in the directional audio menu based on the sensed movement in the direction of the first spatial location, and associate the identified first menu item selection in the directional audio menu with the sensed movement in the direction of the first spatial location, wherein the audio output circuit is further configured to communicate the identified first menu item selection to the user, wherein the processor is further configured to update the visual display of the portable device based on the identified first menu item selection, and identify a hierarchy level of the identified menu item selection, and wherein the audio output circuit is further configured to transmit a new directional audio menu including at least one new menu item selection to a user of the portable device, the at least one new menu item transmitted to another spatial location relative to the user, wherein the new directional audio menu and the at least one new menu item selection are associated with the identified hierarchy level.
A portable device has a screen, a processor and audio output and sensor. The processor generates a directional audio menu where each item sounds like it's coming from a different direction. The audio output sends the menu to the user. The sensor detects when the user moves the device toward a direction corresponding to a menu item. The processor selects the item based on this movement. The selected item is communicated to the user using the audio output and also displayed on the screen. The processor identifies the menu level, and the audio output plays a new directional menu with the new menu items at different spatial locations.
17. The portable device of claim 16 , wherein the processor is further configured to receive a confirmation of the first menu item selection from the user.
This portable device features a visual display, a processor, an audio output, and a sensor to create a unique audio user interface. The processor generates a directional audio menu, presenting selectable items to the user through the audio output. These items are perceived by the user as distinct sounds emanating from specific spatial locations around them, independent of the user's physical position. A sensor detects when the user physically moves the device towards one of these perceived sound locations, which the processor interprets as a menu item selection. The device then associates the movement with the selected item, communicates this selection audibly to the user, and updates the visual display. The processor also identifies the hierarchical level of the selected item and dynamically transmits a new directional audio menu with new items, also spatially located, reflecting this updated hierarchy. Additionally, the processor is configured to receive a confirmation from the user for the selected menu item.
18. The portable device of claim 16 wherein each menu item selection in the directional audio menu includes a distinct binaural spatialization cue representing an associated audio direction.
In the portable device with directional audio menus, each menu item has a different binaural spatialization cue that makes it sound like it's coming from a unique direction.
19. The portable device of claim 18 wherein the distinct binaural spatialization cue includes the menu item selection altered to audibly emanate from the associated audio direction.
In the portable device with directional audio menus, the binaural spatialization cue modifies the sound of the menu item to appear as if it is coming from a particular direction.
20. The portable device of claim 16 wherein the sensor is arranged to detect a change in position, an orientation change and an acceleration of the portable device.
The portable device with directional audio menus includes a sensor that detects changes in position, orientation (tilt or rotation), and acceleration of the device.
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December 30, 2014
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